#Sweet sarcastic Crosshair is my favorite

[stellarbit]

Hiiii! I love your writing so much! Can you please do one with crosshair and his adorable general who’s super sweet but is super shy and easily frightened. Because of this crosshair is SUPER protective of her and every time someone teases him about it he completely denies his feelings for her. And of course, his general is totally oblivious to this.

Though I am slow at requests, I so appreciate what y'all send me. I hope you enjoy <3

Word Count: 1.9k Pairing: fem!reader x Crosshair No Warnings Summary: A little drabble of Crosshair basically being a grumpy shadow for ya in the best way.

Crosshair stuck the butt of his rifle in your path. "Not a chance," he stated flatly.

You were deep into a recon mission for the legion you both were aiding. As the Jedi General assigned to Clone Force 99, your task was to locate and rendezvous with the commanding General. The journey required traversing two kliks over a rugged ridge, and having Crosshair, with his keen sniper's eye, was indispensable. Just as you were gearing up to leap down to a lower vantage point, he intervened.

Gently pushing his rifle aside with two fingers, you questioned, "Why not?"

His gaze followed the trajectory of your intended jump. "Doesn't seem like your kind of jump," he remarked coolly. He’d gotten a glimpse of your fear of heights a few missions ago and had yet to let you live it down.

“I can handle it.” You challenged him.

“Sure you can.” Crosshair replied. He readjusted his rifle and pivoted away, signaling for you to follow without awaiting a reply. "Let's move."

Catching up, you prodded him, "Who's in command here, exactly?" Your tone was light, playful even. It was this easy going demeanor that had landed you with Clone Force 99; your leadership style didn't clash with the team's dynamic, as you knew when to lead and when to listen.

Crosshair snorted, but continued on in silence. He’d welcomed your being assigned to his squad. Despite not being fond of over the top accolades, he couldn’t deny he enjoyed the recognition. Even without the Force, he found you impressive. You were skilled and selfless, sometimes to your own detriment. 

Despite your clear nervousness, you never allowed fear to dominate. The entire squad had noticed your jumpiness, a stark contrast to your fearless command. Crosshair, with his sniper eyes, noted the small tells: the slight purse of your lips before diving into water, the held breath as you squeezed through narrow gaps. Your reaction to the sudden boom of cannons or the sharp crack of thunder was almost instinctual, a flinch that you could barely control.

Yet, for all your sensitivities, you never let them hinder the mission. You pressed on without complaint, earning not just Crosshair’s respect but his silent guardianship. He watched over you, often from a distance, ensuring that nothing would compromise your focus or safety.

That protectiveness went into high gear when you’d nearly slipped down a steep cliff. You’d caught yourself well enough and in doing so you clung to Crosshair immediately beside you. Even through his armor he could feel your trembling. It was only for a moment, you released him quickly enough, but Crosshair picked up on it all the same.

Once you scouted the ridge, you commed the commanding General and headed for the rendezvous spot. 

“He said he and his captain will meet us back at camp,” you relayed, checking the coordinates on your comm device before glancing at Crosshair. “We should make it back before they do.”

“Is that a challenge?” Crosshair asked, a scoff at the end.

You hummed playfully, “I didn’t realize that would be a challenge for you.”

Crosshair held his rifle close, positioning himself to sprint. “Don’t expect me to catch you if you trip.”

The suggestion sent a jolt through you—was it the fear or the thought of his arms catching you? There wasn’t time to ponder as Crosshair surged ahead. Show off, you mused silently, though the view of him leading the way was something you never complained about.

Before returning to camp, you had to make it down a steep incline - about 50 feet. Crosshair slid down the incline, as nimble as ever. At the bottom, he secured his rifle across his pack and shifted his weight onto one foot, signaling you to follow.

“Don’t worry,” He said, his teasing bordered on mocking. “When you fall, I’ll catch you.” Even with his helmet concealing his features, the slight tilt of his head suggested a smirk.

Without pausing to gauge the distance, you summoned the Force behind your movement and launched yourself down the incline. It was a controlled, forceful descent aimed directly at the sniper. His helmet jerked back slightly, caught off-guard by your bold maneuver, as he braced to intercept you. 

You could have eased the landing, but the opportunity to test Crosshair's assurance was far too tempting. True to his word, he caught you adeptly, his movements syncing perfectly with your descent. He pivoted, his arm securing around your legs while his other hand steadied at the small of your back, guiding you safely against him. Your waist nestled just below his chest, your hands resting lightly on his shoulders as you looked down at him with a smile.

A subtle motion caught your attention—the soft brush of his thumb across your back, almost imperceptible.

“Nice catch.” You whispered down to him. 

Crosshair’s helmet, angled up towards you, tilted subtly to the side—a silent question or perhaps contemplation. He made no move to lower you to the ground, his arms creating a gentle but firm cradle. You remained as motionless as possible, acutely aware of every point of contact. The warmth from where your bodies touched seemed to radiate, intensifying the sensations.

Under the fading light of dusk, shadows played across your faces, cloaking the flush that had started to climb up your neck. You hoped the dimness concealed your reaction, though part of you wondered if Crosshair, with his keen senses, could detect the change in your pulse or the slight tremor in your breath.

With a slight shift, Crosshair broke the silence in a dry tone, “Should we include you jumping into my arms in the debrief or was the little show just for me?” Even hidden behind his helmet, the slight tilt of his head suggested a smirk.

A flush of embarrassment warmed your cheeks as another thumb brushed the small of your back, the slow, deliberate motion sending a shiver through you. You arched involuntarily at the touch, a nervous laugh escaping your lips. Squirming slightly under his gaze, you managed to wiggle free from his loose embrace and found your footing on solid ground. Your hands lingered on his chest briefly, feeling his arms still encircling you.

Before he felt your hands trembling, you gave him a light pat on the chest. “Best keep it between us - wouldn’t want to have to explain your slow reflexes.” You were impressed by the steadiness in your voice.

Crosshair stepped back, feigning offense. “Slow reflexes? You launched yourself at me.” It wasn’t an accusatory statement, more of a reminder.

Backing away in the direction of camp, you wagged a finger between the two of you. “Between us it is.” At the rate you walked away you were practically fleeing the scene.

You ended up making it back before the other general. Crosshair joined his brother’s at the landing strip of the Marauder while you checked in with the Commander on duty.

As Crosshair approached he pulled his helmet off and slipped a toothpick between his lips. 

Hunter leaned against the wing of the shuttle and said, “Took you long enough.” The comment earned a sharp glance from Crosshair, his expression tightening just enough to convey his annoyance. Hunter had watched his brother pick at you and knew him enough to know Crosshair was fussing over you in his own way.

Tech's voice preceded him from the ship. “Right on time. The other general is arriving momentarily as well.” Descending the stairs, Tech barely lifted his eyes from his datapad. “We should be departing shortly.”

True to Tech's prediction, the Jedi General in command and his Clone Captain emerged through the underbrush soon after. While you engaged in a discussion with the General, the Clone Captain approached the rest of the Batch. 

He tilted his helmet respectfully. “Thanks for the support, troopers. They weren’t kidding when they said you were effective.”

Wrecker snorted, a smirk playing on his lips. “Yeah, someone's gotta be good at their job around here.”

The Captain did a double take at the large clone, but only shook his helmet in response. Resting a hand on his hip, he glanced towards where his Jedi General was standing. With a chuckle, he mused aloud, “I wouldn’t mind being under her command.”

Tech audibly groaned, while Crosshair’s head snapped towards the Captain, his body language tense. “And why is that?” His voice was sharp, a clear edge underlying the question.

Hunter inhaled deeply, sensing the brewing storm. Wrecker, meanwhile, stood by grinning, evidently enjoying the unfolding drama.

Nonchalantly, the Captain gestured towards you, unaware of the undercurrents swirling around him. “Who wouldn’t want to get to look at her all the time?”

Crosshair’s helmet muffled his simmering as he pulled it over his head. Turning to face him directly, Crosshair tilted his head towards the Captain. “You’ll have to say that again.”

The Captain, caught off guard by the sniper’s intensity, scoffed dismissively, “Is that right?”

In a taunting, egging-on voice Crosshair said, “Either you say it to her.” Crosshair pointed to you then stepped closer, invading the Captain’s personal space, his posture menacing. “Or you say it to me.”

A dismissive chuckle came from the Captain and he said, “Fine.”

Meanwhile, you wrapped up with the General. “Anytime Master, we’re happy to have helped.” You were about to shake their hand when you noticed a commotion at the edge of your vision.

The next moment Crosshair rammed his helmet into the Captain’s with enough force to send the man on his ass. 

“Time to go,” you sighed, rushing towards the unfolding scene. A few regs were gathering by the time you made it through. 

Crosshair was poised to advance on the fallen Captain when you intervened. Slipping in front of him, you wrapped your arms around his armored torso, your presence an immediate barrier. His rage simmered down to a trembling restraint under your hold.

“Cross,” you said with a firm tone, but softened immediately when he pushed against you again. “Hey, hey, hey. Who’s jumping into whose arms now, huh?” Crosshair held the pressure a moment longer, his breath heavy against you, then growled softly and stepped back.

Realizing your hands were still at his sides, you snatched your hands back as if he was too hot to touch.

“Wise choice,” Crosshair sneered over your shoulder at the Captain, who was clumsily regaining his footing. His hand found its way to your waist, and with a hiss that betrayed a blend of annoyance and protective instinct, he murmured, “After you, General,” guiding you towards the Marauder’s ramp with an unexpected gentleness.

As you passed Hunter, his smirk broad and clearly entertained, Crosshair snapped, “Stow it.”

Your head swiveled between them, confusion knitting your brows. Once on the ship, you halted and pushed back against Crosshair’s guiding hand, spinning around to face him while trying to ignore how his touch lingered. “You just had to fight, didn’t you?” Despite your attempt at authority, your voice cracked, revealing your weak resolution.

Crosshair looked down, a soft chuckle escaping him. He gently turned you back around by the waist and nudged you deeper into the ship. “Your fault,” he crooned, his voice low and teasing.

Your heart skipped despite your frustration. You craned your neck to look up at him, demanding an explanation, “Tell me how.”

“I don’t think I will,” he replied, the hint of a smile still in his voice, leaving the words hanging between you like a challenge.

[freesia-writes]

Getting to Know, You, Getting to Know All About You

Is that familiar to any of you? ;) Anyway, I think it was @dystopicjumpsuit and @returnofthepineapple who tagged me (sorry if I missed others!) and this looked fun, so here we are. Especially for those of you who hit the scene while I was on hiatus!!

Last Song: Center by Bethel Worship

Favorite Color: Jewel tone purple

Last Movie: Leo, with the kids, but I probably loved it a million times more than they did. I freaking love kids' movies. 😂

Last Show: I finally started Ahsoka. I know. Don't come after me. 😉

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: If I had to choose, sweet.

Relationship: Married and laden with spawn

Last thing I holonet searched: the youtube link for the song. 😜 Before that it was Southwest Airlines. Exciting.

Current Obsession: Working on the talk about surrender that I get to share at our women's breakfast at church in 10 days! It's been the biggest struggle and the thing I'm the worst at, so I'm the least qualified to speak on it, LOL. But God's been rocking my world with it.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Who else wants to share? And sorry if you've already answered -- tag me in it if so? haha! @jetii @starrylothcat @lightwise @fiveminutetrash @starrylothcat @dreamie411 @eobe @noblelightfighter @sarcastic-nebula @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf @cw80831 @omglisalithium @the-little-moment @griffedeloup

[captainpains]

Forget Me Not (Crosshair x Reader)

I've never written for Crosshair, when I got this square on the @clonexreaderbingo card, it took the opoortunity to try something new. I hope you enjoy ❤️

Prompt: Crosshair

Warnings: gn reader, Medical emergencies, Angst, hurt-comfort (i think), bittersweet ending, bad writting (I can't write sadness).

~~~~~~

It felt like it was yesterday when you met him.

You were working on Kamino, a medical doctor hired to help the incredibly injured.

A tall and sarcastic man with a toothpick hanging from his mouth. He was not happy about being sent to the medbay. He was grumpy. But he had a sort of smirk on his face while you were treating him. You brushed him off; the soldiers tended to flirt a lot.

It was a couple of days later when he showed up again. This time carrying another man of roughly the same size, a gaping wound in the man’s side.

After rushing and helping the injured man, the man with a toothpick introduced himself as Crosshair. 

Since then, whenever his squad was planetside, he would visit you.

The two of you never talked much, but he had a relaxing presence about him. When you did talk, it was about your interests or jobs. You learned about his brothers and his favorite flavor of ration bar. From the outside, it was a strange friendship. But to the two of you, it was precious moments, moments untouched by the chaos of the war.

Neither of you noticed when your meetings became more frequent. When you started to spend your meals together. You would eat in silence. But it was quality time together.

Soon you were cracking jokes and exchanging stories.

It was a progression that no one would have seen coming. The stand offish sniper making friends with a shy medic. 

Who would've guessed. 

You started to feel overly giddy when you saw him. Your chest would flutter when he looked at you, and you felt hot when he would give you one of his smirky smiles. You had feelings for him.

Crosshair started to have feelings for you too. He smiled when you laughed. He got embarrassed when you caught him staring. He got more grumpy when his brother teased him about it, but all was better when he saw you across the dining hall. 

“I brought you something…”

“Really?” You looked up at him shocked. 

Crosshair nodded. You noticed his hands were hidden behind his back. Then he revealed what it was.

A small wood carving. It was cut in the shape of his sniper rifle.

You gasped at the gift. You took it into your hand, holding it as if it was a precious jem. It was so kind of him to make you something.

“To remember me.” He said. You smiled at him.

No one would have expected Crosshair to be so sweet to you either. Holding you like you were the most precious thing. He kissed you so gently. It was just perfect, in its own way.

But, all good things must come to an end.

When the war ended, Crosshair came back to Kamino… different. Not a good difference. 

You were hurt when he acted as if you didn't exist. It was like he wasn't himself. 

It hurt you. For him to cast you aside. It felt like you meant nothing to him. 

“What is wrong?” You asked. “Why are you saying this?”

“You are a distraction. You are hindering my ability to do my duty.” Crosshair firmly replied.

“So was all that nothing to you. Do I mean nothing to you now?”

“Nothing is more important than my duty to the Empire.”

You turned away from him, tears in your eyes and hurt in your heart. It was a harsh way to end things. Fitting for someone heartless, not fitting for your sniper, On the outside he was harsh, isolated from others caused him to lack social graces, but he wasn’t a bad person. He wasn’t the type of person to end things like this.

Shortly after you left Kamino. Heartbroken from Crosshair's words.

It still hurts years later. 

But no matter how bad it hurt, you couldn’t bring yourself to get rid of the carving you gave him. It was too hard. It reminded you of all the good times you had. And it was a reminder of the Crosshair that you loved.

It would be years later when you saw him again.

Crosshair was brought to you by his squad, injured and fading. In his barely conscious state, he saw you and smiled. The same smile you fell in love with years ago.

It was a stressful few days as you fought to keep him stable.

After three stressful days, he was finally getting better. When he awoke, his squad was relieved. Hunter particularly was so happy that his brother’s health was improving. Wrecker almost crushed him in a hug, tears streaming down his face in relief. Tech and Echo showed their love in their own way. And Omega, the news edition to the squad, was overjoyed and hugged her brother. Crosshair tenderly hugged her back.

It was after his siblings left for the night that he finally spoke to you.

“I’m sorry…” He said, voice horse. “I’m sorry for how things ended.”

You looked over at him. He was staring directly at you, guilt overcoming his features. He had hated himself for so long. Once he started to change, he started to regret the words he had said to you. If he could go back, he would’ve said anything else.

“I’m sorry for everything…”

You gave a small sigh. It was nice to hear the apology, even years later. But it could not mend the past. It wouldn’t fix everything. But it gave you hope.

Hope that you could build something new.

You silently moved to stand next to him, taking his hand in yours. You gave a tiny smile. He gave a sad smile back, it wasn’t like the way he used to smile. You gently pressed the wood carving into his hand. He took it then brought it to his other hand, thumb rubbing it carefully.

“I accept your apology.” You replied. “I hope we can start over.”

“I’d like that…”

[moonstrider9904]

Moonlight - a Crosshair x Original Female Character love story (COMPLETED)

Series rating: Explicit and Mature. 18+ Minors not allowed

Series summary: Not even Clair, with her promising quiet life as the owner of a small restaurant on Naboo, could escape the war after her restaurant is destroyed in a strange, terrorist-like event. Left with nothing, she is taken in by a squad of four clone troopers who are all very protective of her, particularly the team's sarcastic, arrogant sniper, who battles to maintain his tough exterior as sweet Clair slowly crawls her way into him.

Story tags: multipart, alternate universe / canon divergent, happy endings for everyone, a crapload of cottagecore because I'm a sucker for it, slow burn romance, some jealousy, canon-typical violence, lots of smutty smut (read AO3 tags for more detail), language and swearing

Author's note: I couldn't open a new blog without bringing back my favorite story of all time. Things have happened and yet Moonlight remains my treasure, my magnum opus, and I want to continue sharing it with the world because no amount of toxic people will change the fact that I love to create wonderful things. Please enjoy this story, it's got my whole heart and soul infused in it <3

Read Full Story on Ao3!

Read full story on Wattpad!

>> Flowing Rivers (one-shot)

>>Sing Me Like a Folk Song (one-shot)

>> Gravitation (sequel series)

Chapter 1: Vertigo

Chapter 2: Traits

Chapter 3: Moonlight**

Chapter 4: Caretaker

Chapter 5: Pristine

Chapter 6: Everything

Chapter 7: Teachings

Chapter 8: Intimacy**

Chapter 9: Half Moon Glow**

Chapter 10: Rapture

Chapter 11: The Garden**

Chapter 12: The Trial

Chapter 13: Moon Pie**

Chapter 14: Moonsong**

Chapter 15: Any Better Than This

** = Contains smut

[whoree321]

the bad batch + what romance/rom com movies they watch with you

each of the bad batch x gn!reader

ok first and foremost i really truly believe to the pits of my soul that every single one of these fuckos loves romances and you cannot under any circumstances change my mind

ALSO it’s a gender neutral reader except kinda in echo’s theres like a very brief quote regarding breasts but like i still think even that is pretty gender neutral tbh

so anyway

Hunter: Pretty Woman

this is not the first time that i have publicly declared that i think hunter has a deep rooted connection to the movie pretty woman and it will not be the last

first of all this movie is incredibly soothing to hunters overwhelming savior complex

second of all hunter is literally richard gere (debonaire but emotionally distant gentleman that learns to love) and julia roberts (hooker with a heart of gold) at the same time

he was a little skeptical the first time you put it on but he instantly fell in love with it

the humor, the sensuality, the class divide, the glamour, the unconventional cinderella story of it all. it just really butters his bread

after the first time, when you suggest watching a movie and you pick this one he’ll act very aloof about it (“whatever you want cyar’ika, it doesn’t matter to me”) but secretly he’s really really happy bc it’s one of his favorites (you def know this and def pick it more often)

he absolutely hates the scene when stucky the lawyer hits vivian. like it doesn’t matter how many times he watches it he will fully turn his head away from the screen and say “I don’t like this part” and when it’s over he nuzzles a little closer into you and very tenderly kisses your forehead

he loves the soundtrack too. like he fully exposes how much he likes the movie when you catch him singing or humming “pretty woman” or “it must have been love” absently to himself (you kept it to yourself for a while but eventually you just had to tease him about it. he just smiled a little sheepishly and admitted he liked the songs before promptly changing the subject)

hunter also lowkey definitely wants to recreate the ending where richard gere shows up to her apartment in the white limo with you bc he thinks it’s such a sweet gesture and he wants to treat you like royalty

Crosshair: 10 Things I Hate About You

if there’s one thing about crosshair it’s that he’s a sucker for the enemies to lovers genre

maybe its just him projecting (spoiler alert it most certainly is) but he really enjoys watching the drama conflama of a miserable bastard be tricked into love

and really that’s the true essence of 10 Things I Hate About You

he will grumble and bitch and moan about not wanting to watch a ‘chick flick’ when you put it on, but 15 minutes in and he’s hooked

he has strong negative opinions on literally every single character except for kat and patrick

(crosshair really really wants to think he’s patrick but when it comes down to it he is katarina stratford in every single possible way)

he doesn’t say a word throughout the entire movie but you can tell when he’s annoyed at like bianca or cameron or joey bc he will openly scoff at them

will absolutely hum along in your ear during the “can’t take my eyes off you” scene and make out with you during the paintball scene

(seriously he wants to be patrick verona so bad)

when it’s over and you ask him what he thought he’ll roll his eyes and say “i guess it could have been worse” but his little smirk let’s you know he enjoyed it a lot more than he’s willing to admit

Tech: 50 Shades of Grey

ok hear me out on this one

tech is a huge movie talker. like subtitles are a non-negotiable if you wanna be able to take in any of the movies dialogue bc tech is most likely gonna make commentary over it the whole time

this makes him absolutely indescribably so much fun to watch bad/corny movies with

he will go off about EVERYTHING. the plot, the dialogue, the acting, the costuming, the music, the production quality. nothing and no one is safe. whether you just enjoy letting him talk at you or you join in on the roast, cheesy movies are a hoot between you two

and honey. 50 shades is one of THE cheesiest movies ever

you and tech will literally spend the entire duration of the movie tearing it to shreds

and the thing is tech is a very sarcastic, funny guy when he wants to be (and when it comes to you he definitely wants to be) so by the end of it he will have you in absolute stitches from laughing at the ridiculousness of both the movie and him

with any of the other batchers watching a movie like this either turns into a shy, slightly awkward experience (wrecker, echo) or an incorrigibly horny experience (crosshair, hunter)

but in this context tech literally has no shame or squeamishness about sexual things (why should he it’s a natural biological process?) so to yall the sex stuff is just another thing to roast

literally christian grey could be fully tying dakota johnson down and flogging her and tech will be like “in the last 3 minutes they have panned up to her nipples 4 times. this is criminally shoddy cinematography”

even tho he’s busy giving a detailed play by play critique, he never fails to keep some sort of physical contact with you (wrapping an arm around you and running his hand up and down your skin, playing with your fingers or your hair) so you know he’s enjoying spending this time with you despite his nasty words about the movie

also 1000% after you watch it tech will do extensive research on the ins and outs of bdsm and will have lots of hypotheses he wants to test out (as long as you’re willing and able ofc) ;)))

Wrecker: 13 Going On 30

of all the bad batch members, wrecker is the only one who unabashedly loves any movie that could be considered a chick flick

like he doesn’t even try to hide it or act like he’s too masculine for it. he loves romance and he’s proud of it

this man will have full marathons with you. rom coms, regular roms, tragic roms, hallmark roms, you name it and he’s game

his absolute favorite tho is 13 Going On 30

i feel like he has a huge soft spot for childhood best friends to lovers stories like he finds that type of lifelong partnership so endearing (and he loves to live vicariously through jenna since that type of romance was obviously never an option for him)

wrecker is also very childlike at heart and i think the idea of a 13 year old sweetheart trapped inside the body of a 30 year old cut throat magazine exec is so amusing to him (and maybe makes him feel just a little bit represented in the media)

he is definitely the type to completely engulf you in a cuddle for the entirety of the movie and he DEFINITELY cries into your shoulder at matty’s wedding when jenna is crying on the stoop with her dream house

he wants to try razzles so bad. like so bad. i think if he ever came across them somewhere he would barter at least one of his brothers for them

wrecker really just loves love and watching movies about it just reminds him of how lucky he is to have his own love story with you <3

Echo: The Princess Bride

i feel like it’s glaringly obvious why echo loves this movie

pirates. sword fighting. decades long revenge plots. the value of an honorable, loyal man. true love that never wavers even in the face of devastating tragedy and the darkest of hardships. clever but goofy humor.

echo considers this an action/adventure movie and NOT a romance movie (even tho it 100% totally is a romance movie) and requests to watch it very frequently

he can quote the whole thing. i’m seriously telling you echo loves the princess bride with his whole chest

even tho he refuses to admit it’s a love story above all else, he really does try to model himself in your relationship after wesley

like especially given what happened at the citadel and all the time you thought he was dead, the cinematic parellels are alive and present in y’alls relationship and he strives to be even half the man to you that wesley is to buttercup

literally in your day to day life he will sometimes respond to your requests with a smooth “as you wish ;)” (it doesn’t matter how many times he does it it still gives you butterflies)

when you watch the movie, he snuggles as close to you as possible and does his best to make youre comfy the whole time (he’s insecure about his prosthetics hurting you no matter how much you reassure him they don’t)

he just loves to be able to feel your heartbeat and your laugh when you giggle at the funny bits

every single time without fail at the part when buttercup is about to stab herself he leans down, ghosts his lips against the shell of your ear, and whispers the line in time with wesley: “there’s a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. it would be a pity to damage yours”

every single time without fail you wind up making out until he pulls away and tells you to watch the next part when wesley challenges humperdinck to a duel to the pain

echo just loves you to bits and wants you to know he’d endure a thousand fire swamps for you

Omega: Clueless

i have this really specific obsession with omega being a total girly girl and having very traditionally feminine interests as she keeps experiencing the universe and being exposed to a spectrum of gender expression beyond clone (masc and boring) and kaminoan (ugly)

so with that headcanon of her in mind, it’s vital to me that she sees clueless as soon as possible

clueless is an essential piece of media for a girl entering adolescence and i will die on this hill

it has literally everything you want and everything you need to develop into a well-rounded young woman

it’s so deliciously 90s and glamorama and valley girl humor and camp. its got meaningful female friendships and valuable life lessons and paul mf rudd

if there’s one thing you should encourage a burgeoning hetero teen girl to do, it’s to stick to dating guys like paul rudd in clueless. the earlier this message can be broadcast the better

the second you’re able to steal omega away from hunters watchful eyes (“hunter we’re just gonna watch finding nemo i swear!”) you show her this movie

at this point omega is not really a girly girl, but omega also has absolutely zero feminine influence in her life

the first time she sees clueless she is absolutely obsessed. like seriously she is so enamoured with the glitz and glam of cher horowitz

she asks you questions the entire time. she wants to know about EVERYTHING. the makeup, the clothes, the hair, the slang

(she definitely goes around saying stuff like “i’m totally bugging” for long enough afterwards that almost all of the boys have slipped up at least once with some ridiculous valley girl slang. you thought you were gonna die of laughter when you overheard tech say “as if!” to wrecker in the middle of an argument)

it just really introduces her to this whole world of femininity that she didn’t even know existed and she absolutely loves it

she makes you watch clueless with her seriously once a week at minimum. she begs you to style her hair like tai’s and you can’t help yourself when you happen to run across a little yellow plaid dress and buy it for her on sight

(hunter was gonna scold you for recklessly spending credits until he saw how omega almost cried from how happy she was for the gift)

honestly she enjoys the romance of it all and paul rudd is def her first celebrity crush but she enjoys more that you and her now have this special thing of hair and nails and pretty dresses

she loves how confident and beautiful and special you’re able to make her feel, and you love that you get to bring her that small sense of normalcy and happiness

[ionfusionpunk]

Hello 👋🏽 clone playlist anon here!

(olive branch accepted) Friends!

You are one of the nicest persons I’ve ever interacted with on the internet. Every time I send you an ask I check Tumblr constantly to see if you answered lol I always look forward to talking to you and seeing your responses! I wish you luck on your finals and that you get a chance to just chill out. Also which are your favorite Star Wars characters?

*whispers* Hi~ <3 You are. So awesome. Hello New Friend~ 😊

Ngl I’ve been checking my notifs constantly after I respond to one of your asks just to see if I’ll get a new from you haha. You’re absolutely one of the funnest people I’ve interacted with. You think I’m nice? Holy moly, my dude, you’re SUPER nice! Getting one of your asks is the highlight of my day ^^

Thank you! My finals are two tests and two papers, so I think I should be pretty okay grade-wise, but your support is appreciated. :)

Okay okay, now for the actual question, lol. Hm, this one is a little tough cos I’ve kinda cycled through a couple as I’ve gotten older and my opinions of them have changed - or I’ve learned about new people! A lot of what I know about characters - and solidly everything I know about any Legends character - comes from fanfic only. I haven’t gotten an opportunity to watch any playthroughs of the videogames, and I honestly have no desire to read the books, lol (I read about the comics all the time, so most of my knowledge is probably based on those, tbh). But. Here’s what I got 🙃

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Kenobae, lol, love of my life, and Ewan McGregor 💙)

Cody (Wifi Router Husband)

Fox (Sleepy!Angsty!Boi)

Plo Koon (Best Dad)

Alpha-17. Nuff said. 

Domino Twins (Echo and Fives, my beloveds, who deserved so much more, sarcastic and honorable and tragic and hnnn)

Rex (King)

Riyo Chuchi (Sweet Bean)

Crosshair (I think I have a type for sarcastic/cranky/sniper. Legit tho)

Jon Antilles (I want you to know I blame blackkat for this; they’ve written a solid half of all the Jon fics on ao3)

Leia (Dude. Just - Yes.)

Bail Organa (Ties for Best Dad)

Honestly, I love most of the characters. These are just the ones I’ve spent the most time ‘with’, I guess? The ones I read the most about/enjoy their appearances in both fiction and canon the most. 

How about you? Which are your favorite SW characters? Ooh! And do you have any of your favorite fics you’d like to recommend? I’m always looking for more 🙃 (even though I literally refuse to go through my bookmarks and opened tabs to read the ones I’ve hidden away, lolll)

[misogirl828]

I’m so excited to read this chapter and sad that this is the last chapter of S&S. I have come to love Iden and Crosshair so much. I ADORE the redemptive arc you have given Crosshair, it’s 😘😘😘.

I also enjoy all the tiny details you put into your fic, juicy little tidbits that I revel in finding—a fanfic readers version of Easter eggs in movies 💗💗

This is kind of a stream of consciousness reblog from the three (!) pages of notes I took as I was reading this. 🥰🥰 Here goes…

💞Protective Uncle Wrecker! I loved how you wrote him here. Hovering and protective of Iden, moving folks out of her way, bringing her rations, and the look of pure terror when she started going into labor, and his concern that he may hurt the baby when he holds her~he has such a beautiful, kind heart💗💗

👉Iden, just DONE with being pregnant. Agree 💯 that pregnancy is often romanticized in fic. And after nine months of swollen feet, nausea, being uncomfortable, etc. I think Iden ABSOLUTELY would be over it. (Plus, she’s had enough of folks fussing around her.)

🥹 The reactions by TBB and Omega finding out from Crosshair that Iden is pregnant, that he and Iden are having a baby 😘😘😘 Especially when nervous Crosshair is telling Omega she’s going to be an aunt, and she’s already figured it out but doesn’t let on 💗💗

💖💖💖AHHHHHH! Chuckles, Arni and Nita!! I did a happy dance when they appeared!! And, WHAAAA?? Chuckles was BFFs with Howzer?!? Love this! That they were reunited 🥹🥹 and of course Howzer would go and rejoin the fight! (And that Chuckles would be THE FIRST to volunteer to get the people who got Howzer away from the Empire 🥹😘)

😆😏I just love, love, love how you write my favorite twins of chaos, Fives and Echo! Fives is alive baby and he and Echo are giving each other snark and creating havoc. Totally see Fives giving Nisa a hard time. His brothers don’t have a choice and to have someone who choose the Empire, even if for a short time, it doesn’t sit well with him. I wonder if this antagonism between them would eventually morph into something else?

😆Fives telling Crosshair that he’s as sweet as a tooka, according to Echo. The look I imagine on Crosshair’s face is PRICELESS.

👉I need a moment here—OMG OMG OMG! Omega, Arni and Nita training together?! EEEEEEE! That Omega and Arni have a special bond and they complement each other like yin and yang? ☯️ Love it! And my sweet Nita! Full of fire?!? A monster slayer to be (according to Iden).😘😘😘

💗Protective Dad Chuck, always whisking Arni and Nita away somewhere when Nisa is out of confinement. He can’t help himself. He loves his kids. He will do anything to protect them.

😆💯 Iden not realizing she’s in labor. But Omega figures it out immediately! I could totally see Iden chanting this to herself….

Don’t snap at the kid. Don’t snap at the kid.

💗💗💗 I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH IDEN GOING INTO LABOR AND THE SARCASTIC BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN HER AND CROSSHAIR (for some reason tumblr has decided to act up and f** up any copy/paste I try to do, so I’ve stopped trying.) Anyhow—Iden telling Crosshair he can choose, she’s either gonna rip off his arm or that of the medical droid, and Hunter with his karking bandanna—of course she means Tech! 🤣 And then Crosshair realizing that Iden is afraid. This strong, fearless woman who stared down an army~~feeling afraid and vulnerable. Makes Cross love her even more. He loves her strength and her vulnerability. (‘Thought it was the beautiful woman in your arms’ comment made me cackle)

🥹🥺💗 And Tech delivered their baby💗 And Iden telling Tech the name of their baby girl, Kestra, calling her Kes, named for the fallen former queen of Naboo—and Tech’s love—I’ve got big fat tears running down my face. It’s so sweet, so bittersweet and beautiful, it just choked me up.

💗💗This, just so many emotions from this: “Thank you” he breathed. “For what?” “For loving me. For her. For all of it.” Now I’m really bawling

💖💖Crosshair holding baby Kes on his bare chest. Such a beautiful image…

💞💞Introducing Kes to her Uncles and Aunts…Echo wanting to cover his cybernetic arm just to be sure he doesn’t pinch Kes, Hunter amazed at Kes’ eye color, it like theirs, Senna coming in with Nisa and telling Nisa “Come in, family’s meeting her first. And that’s you.” 🥹🥹🥹 Iden and Nisa talking about Nisa having a full head of hair when she was born and Nisa gifting Kes THE NECKLACE (when she’s old enough to wear it without trying to eat it) the silver leaf pendant 🥹💞

💗🥰💗🥰 Papa Crosshair taking Kes out to see the sunrise. Karrde, the last two paragraphs you wrote for this series, are SO POWERFUL, SO BEAUTIFUL, SO MOVING. Every time I read them, I get choked up and teary eyed.

“He’d cut his heart from his own chest if it meant hers would keep beating.” 🥹🥰

“It’s all for you, my little star.” 🥰♥️♥️

Bravo, my friend, for such an amazing series! For creating such an amazing Universe with fabulous OCs! I have thoroughly enjoyed this ride and love these characters and this story with all my heart! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 I will be rereading this series!!

Shadows and Shades - Part 17 (FINAL PART)

Master List | Previous Part

A/N: WELL, THIS IS IT! The last chapter! I fell in love with this fic and these characters more than I thought I would, and I have had the last page of this written for FOREVER. I am so very excited to share it now with you all! As always, I have to thank @teletraan-meets-jarvis for being an absolutely phenomenal beta reader and friend. These fics don't happen without TJ, and she makes them so much better. SO THANK YOU, TJ! YOU ARE THE BEST, AND I ADORE YOU, DEAR FRIEND!

Warnings: pregnancy, childbirth

“Oi! Out of the way! Can’t you see she’s pregnant? Make room, ya nerf herders!”

Iden bit back the sigh that was threatening to erupt out of her as Wrecker shooed a group of young rebels from their seats at one of the tables in the mess hall. Only one of them dared toss a glare over their shoulder at the massive clone.

“Got somethin’ to say?” Wrecker growled.

“Easy big guy,” Iden teased, patting his arm. “I think they got the message.” She inhaled deeply before heaving one leg over the bench to straddle it. The tables were frustratingly not accommodating for someone whose stomach was the size of an overinflated bolo-ball, but sitting down was something of a relief nonetheless. Wrecker hovered behind her as she lowered herself down, his hands ready to catch her at any moment, and for once, Iden allowed herself to grip his hand as she plopped onto the bench.

I’m really ready for this to be over.

Iden had never understood the ‘beauty’ of pregnancy, never being one to fall under the illusion that it was some magical experience where you just flitted about and then one day a baby for the entire galaxy to fawn over just appeared in your arms. However, even having a reasonable set of expectations hadn’t prepared her for the way her body had stretched and changed to accommodate their child. The nausea she’d experienced the first few months seemed like a gracious reprieve compared to the back pain, swollen feet, weird cravings, and constant need to urinate.

Oh, and she was still nauseous regularly.

“I’ll go get your food and be right back,” Wrecker reassured her before jogging off. She allowed herself to lean one arm on the table, patting her belly with her other hand.

“I’m so tired of this. A few weeks to go still, but I think I’ve had enough.”

She’d never really gotten used to the constant fussing and accommodations. Iden was used to being self-sufficient, almost to a detrimental point, but it had become quickly apparent she was going to have to get used to asking for help. She’d even briefly considered asking Crosshair to wait to tell everyone else she was pregnant until she was unable to hide it, if nothing else but to spare herself the hovering and worrying, but when she saw how excited he was the first night back on Yavin 4, she knew she couldn’t possibly deprive him of that.

Hunter’s mouth had fallen open in shock, Echo had grinned like a fiend, letting out a loud bark of a laugh, and Wrecker had practically started bawling on the spot. Even Tech had looked up from what he was tinkering with to offer congratulations, and then had immediately launched into a barrage of medical questions.

With the slew of varied reactions from his brothers, Omega had been Iden’s favorite. She had walked in in the middle of everyone digesting the news, immediately understanding that she’d missed some piece of important information. Her eyes had glided over to Crosshair, and then to Iden, briefly flicking down to look at her belly before meeting her gaze. She stifled a smile.

Maker alive, she’s picking up on things quickly, Iden had thought. Senna must be pleased.

Crosshair hadn’t seemed to notice Omega’s perceptiveness, striding over to her and resting his hands on her shoulders. “I have something to tell you, and I hope you’ll be excited.” Iden had to stifle a giggle at the way he suddenly got nervous. She knew that he loved the kid, even if he didn’t show it in a conventional way. The two of them had a unique relationship, one that existed more in the quiet space and unspoken words when they were just sitting next to one another, but this moment was different for him. Omega smiled up expectantly, waiting for him to tell her what she’d already figured out.

“You’re going to be an aunt, Omega. Iden’s pregnant.”

Iden had to give it to the kid, she played it perfectly, squealing with excitement and flinging her arms around Crosshair’s waist. He hesitated for a moment before returning the hug, smiling to himself. Omega met Iden’s eyes, and Iden had winked at her, mouthing a thank you.

The months had dragged on since then, and with every day, she found some new annoyance with how her body was changing. She’d been determined to not allow her body to lose its strength and endurance, going running daily until she’d been forced to switch to walking. Senna had accompanied her every day, dragging her out when she didn’t want to mentally go. “This is important to you, and I can’t help you in many ways, but I can do this. Let’s at least go do a lap around the tarmac and we can come right back in,” she’d urged on one of the days where Iden was feeling at her lowest and most frustrated. They’d done three laps before Iden had begged off to waddle to the refresher.

Everyone had been wonderful. Well, mostly everyone. Chuckles, the clone pilot that had picked them up, was still a bit distant. She’d seen him spending time with his two children, a teenage Twi’lek and a young Pantoran. Both of the younglings seemed to have adjusted well to their new surroundings, but Chuckles constantly seemed ready to bolt. Senna had quietly relayed their story on one of their walks, how Chuckles’s inhibitor chip hadn’t activated, how he’d managed to save the two younglings that had become his adopted family, and how they’d been running ever since.

“He’s been doing nothing but looking over his shoulder for the last few years,” Senna had said quietly. “I can understand his reluctance to relax. I just hope with time, he’ll find a place here.” She’d leaned over, nudging Iden’s shoulder. “But I have to tell you, since he may not; he was very grateful that the two of you got Howzer out.” 

“They knew each other?” 

“They were apparently best friends during the war. He’d assumed Howzer was dead or serving the Empire. When he showed up here… well, to put it mildly, Chuckles was beside himself. I’m not sure I’ve seen a more emotional reunion. When he found out we were going to rescue the two people that had busted his friend out, he was the first one to volunteer as a pilot.” 

Iden had smiled to herself. If nothing else, at least we did that much good. She’d been sad not to find the former clone captain at the base when they arrived. Hunter had told her that he hadn’t stayed long. When he found out the Twi’lek general he’d served alongside during the war had escaped Ryloth with his family, Howzer had decided to go looking for them to carry on the fight. She sighed. 

“Echo’s brother certainly seemed to have no issue adjusting.”

Senna had laughed at that. “Fives is a different story altogether.”

Iden huffed a laugh. “That he is.”

Fives had hovered awkwardly in the background when they returned, clearly not sure where he fit with these new people. He’d watched his twin interact with Crosshair, gripping his arm in greeting, and Iden had noticed a slight scowl on his face. But with time, Fives had gotten around to greeting both of them, and clumsily, he’d thanked Crosshair quietly for rescuing Echo.

“Without you and your squad, I wouldn’t have gotten a second chance to razz him at any given opportunity,” the former ARC trooper said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

“He clearly didn’t tell you what I said on the mission,” Crosshair joked dryly.

“Oh, he did,” Fives replied. “Says you can be a bit of a prick, but you’re really sweet as a tooka. You just don’t want people to think that.”

Iden had burst out laughing at the way Crosshair’s nose wrinkled with disgust.

Nisa’s reception had been far more chilly. She was still unconscious when they arrived, and they’d carefully placed her on a gurney to be moved to one of the few small cells they kept on the base just in case. Every day for the first few weeks she was there, she was only taken out of her cell to be interrogated for hours on end. Hunter and Senna led most of the interrogations, grilling her sister about every tidbit of Imperial intelligence she could provide. Iden had been torn about whether or not to at least listen in, but Crosshair had offered to observe and relay anything important.

“We need to minimize the amount of duress you put yourself under,” he’d insisted. “Let me worry about Nisa. You go make yourself useful elsewhere.”

And she had. With Echo and Wrecker’s help, they’d completely audited every piece of weaponry and equipment on the base. She’d helped Tech repair everything from a squeaky bench in the mess to the Marauder’s hyperdrive, which always seemed to be on the fritz. She’d asked Senna if she could observe Omega’s training, wanting to ensure she could also be as helpful as her brothers if needed. She’d been astounded to watch Omega, the Twi’lek Arni, and the young Pantoran Nita train together. The three of them appeared to have grown attached to each other quickly, especially Omega and Arni, who seemed to have a particularly special bond. Where Arni was anxious and a perfectionist, Omega was encouraging and gentle. Nita on the other hand, was a force to be reckoned with, and Iden adored the spark that burned within her.

I hope my child has a fraction of her fire. That one’s a monster slayer to be sure.

After a few months, Senna and Hunter had agreed to allow Nisa a few more freedoms. She was allowed outside of her room with supervision, and occasionally joined Senna and Iden for their walks. But just because Senna and Hunter had decided to trust her didn’t mean that trust permeated the remainder of the base. She noted that Arni and Nita were frequently nowhere to be found on the days Nisa was allowed out, having been shuffled off somewhere by Chuckles with some mumbled excuse. Many of the rebels would glare in Nisa’s general direction when she’d walk through the mess hall. Fives in particular had been the most upset at the decision to have Nisa on base, and while Iden could somewhat understand why after what had happened to him, his animosity towards her sister still annoyed her. At times, he was a downright bully.

Several months in, they’d been walking through the mess when Fives had approached, clearly pretending to be distracted by something else. He’d dropped his shoulder and rammed Nisa, sending her lunch tray lurching against her chest, spilling food down the front of her and onto the floor.

“Oops.”

Nisa clenched her fists, glaring at him. Fives had returned the stare, seemingly bored with the entire exchange, but his anger and intention was clear. Iden was on him in a second. She’d charged forward, shoving him roughly.

“She didn’t put you in that tube, you fucking mynock.”

Fives stepped forward, glaring down at Iden, and at that point, Echo had reached the escalating situation, pushing his brother back as Crosshair had come sprinting across the mess with murder in his gaze.

“Enough Fives,” Echo snarled.

“She shouldn’t be here. And you kriffing know it,” his twin bit back, his amber irises practically glowing. “She’s one of them. And she went willingly.” He turned to Nisa, his voice raising. “Our brothers didn’t have a choice. You did.” He bumped against Echo, who was trying to keep him at bay while also pressing a palm to Iden’s shoulder to keep her back, shooting a pleading look at Crosshair, who seemed satisfied to let Iden go toe-to-toe with the former ARC trooper. 

Senna appeared suddenly, stepping in front of Fives and placing her hands on his chest. Her blue eyes were alight and she was speaking to him in a quiet but angry tone. Iden couldn’t hear what was being said, but it was enough to draw Fives’s attention. He glared at her for a moment before his expression softened and Iden could see some of the tension leave his body. Senna said a few more things to him before patting him on the shoulder and glancing over at Echo, who took his cue, grabbing Fives by the arm and dragging him away.

Senna watched him go before stooping to help Crosshair and Iden clean up the mess on the floor. Nisa’s fists were still clenched at her sides. She unleashed a shaky breath.

“You didn’t deserve that,” Iden muttered.

“It’s going to take time,” Crosshair rasped. “More so with some than others. Although that was underhanded.”

“Fives has his reasons. They’re not necessarily the right reasons, but he’s still healing,” Senna said quietly. “You’re just an outlet for his anger right now.”

“I’m an easy target,” Nisa agreed. “I’m the closest thing to the Empire that he can take a swing at.” She sighed. “I don’t need him to like me. I just need him to tolerate me being here.”

Senna gave her a half-hearted smirk. “He burns a little hotter than Echo does, but he’ll come around. Eventually.”

Nisa sighed again. “We’ll see.”

That all seemed so long ago as Iden readjusted again on the bench, trying to get comfortable on the stiff seating in the mess hall. At least then, I could bend at the waist. Now everything’s an ungraceful squat or waddle.

Wrecker was making his way back towards her, and she tried to hide the frown of disappointment at the rations that she could see on the trays he was carrying. Fucking protein bars again and whatever that sour shit is. They were due for a new shipment of supplies and rations, and she internally made a note to make her way down to the store room as soon as it arrived to claim at least a few choice snacks for herself.

She grunted in frustration as she shifted again, the back pain that she’d been noticing all morning intensifying again, and she gripped the table a little tighter for a moment, exhaling sharply. Wrecker set the tray down in front of her before sliding into the seat across from her.

“Sorry. Couldn’t find the chocolate thing you like so much.”

She gave him a pained smile as the pain finally abated a bit. “S’alright, Wreck. I appreciate the effort.”

“You alright? You look like you’re sweating a bit.”

“Yeah, was just a cramp.”

Omega entered the hall with Arni in tow, the two of them chattering excitedly to one another. The young clone spotted Iden and her brother, and her eyes lit up. She bid a hurried goodbye to her Twi’lek friend before making her way over, plopping down next to Wrecker.

“How’s the baby?”

“On my last nerve,” Iden grunted, shifting again as the muscles in her back seemed to rebel again.

“You alright?”

“Yeah, just a back spasm.”

“She had one a few minutes ago too,” Wrecker commented. “Seems like they’ve been happening all morning.”

Omega’s eyes widened. “Iden… have they been happening at regular intervals?”

“No. Well, I don’t know. My back’s just hurting non-stop, but if I could just get shifted here-“ Iden rocked against the bench again, trying to find a position that was more comfortable. “I had it a second ago, and now… kriff.” She sat back and sighed in frustration. “I’m so ready for this to be done.”

Omega’s brows were furrowed as she watched Iden carefully. She punched something on the comm on her wrist.

“What did you just do?” Iden asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing.”

“You’re a shit liar, kid.”

Wrecker nudged Omega, and the young clone ducked her head slightly. “I… I’m timing your back spasms. You’re far along enough to where… well, they might not be spasms Iden.”

Iden stared at her for a moment before her exhaustion-addled brain pieced together what Omega was implying. “You… you think I’m in labor?”

“It’s possible.”

Iden shifted again, grimacing as another spasm gripped her. Omega punched a button on her wrist. Iden rocked around again, trying to find a way to get the pain to stop, suddenly gripped with a bit of panic. “Th-the droid said I had another week or two to go.”

“I thought you wanted this to be over.”

“Yes, well the thing standing between me and this pregnancy being over happens to be childbirth, and I hadn’t exactly worked my way up to being ready for that.” The pain relented, and she relaxed. “See, just gotta find the right spot. It’s just a spasm.”

Omega clearly wasn’t convinced. “Maybe I should comm Crosshair.”

“No, don’t bother him,” Iden replied, beginning to become more annoyed. “He didn’t take his comm with him this morning anyway. Wanted Tech to fix something on it that had been giving him trouble.”

“All the more reason to go and find him then, don’t you think?” Omega tried again, growing more insistent. “Wrecker can go and I could stay with you.”

Iden bit off a piece of the ration bar, trying to keep her annoyance in check. Don’t snap at the kid. Don’t snap at the kid. She chewed quickly, swallowing just as another wave of pain hit her, and she fought the urge to vomit the foul-tasting ration right back up. “No! No, it’s fine.” The pitch and volume of her voice was rising quickly, starting to draw attention from the few others in the hall. The spasm passed, and Iden struggled to push herself to her feet. Wrecker stood to help her, but she hastily waved him off.

“Iden, they’re coming every two minutes,” Omega said quietly. “Like clockwork. You should at least go down to the medbay and get looked at.”

“I’m FINE.” Iden finally snapped. “I-I just need to go lie down.”

To her absolute horror, Iden felt a gush of warmth between her legs and looked down in time to see the front of her trousers quickly becoming soaked. The rush of fluid continued for what felt like an eternity, and when it was done, Iden was standing in her own personal puddle, mortified. She looked up to see a look of pure terror on Wrecker’s face. Omega was already standing and frantically waving Arni over.

“It’s alright, your water just broke,” she assured Iden. “We’ll find him. Wrecker, get her to the medbay. Carry her if you have to.”

Iden looked down as another contraction hit, nearly bringing her to her knees.

Shit.

---

Crosshair shouldn’t have been surprised by the sheer amount of chaos in the medbay, and yet, somehow he was. A med droid went wheeling past him quickly followed by a metal tray that he just managed to duck as he stepped into the tiny room Omega had led him to. The tray crashed against the wall outside, and the droid tried to utter some sort of what he assumed was an apology, but it was drowned out by shouting coming from inside the room. Wrecker was notably absent, and Crosshair assumed he’d already fled. Iden, on the other hand, was sitting up in the bed in a medical gown that was falling off one shoulder, hair stuck to her sweaty forehead, swearing loudly.

“AND DON’T FUCKING COME BACK WITHOUT HIM, YOU KRIFFING BUCKET OF BOLTS!”

Crosshair glanced at Omega, who was right behind him. She had a hand clapped over her mouth, clearly trying to stifle a giggle. Iden was panting, but her expression softened as he stepped into the room. 

“I see things are going well in here then,” he stated evenly. 

“I just don’t want to have one more cold, metallic instrument shoved up inside me or poking me,” Iden grunted. “And if I hear one more time what‘isn’t advisable’, I’m going to break its arm off and beat it with it.” 

“Perhaps it’s worthwhile to listen to the droid engineered to provide medical care.”

Iden glared at him. “I’m not choosy about whose arm I rip off at this point, dear. Are you sure you want to run that risk?” She readjusted, her knuckles tightening on the sides of the bed as her face contorted in pain. Crosshair stepped to the side of the bed, trying to figure out how to help her, but she waved him off, swearing loudly. His heart clenched at seeing her in so much pain. 

“Did the droid give you meds?” 

“No,” she snarled. “Turns out, that’s something coming on the new shipment. We are currently fresh out, so I’m just going to have to feel this.” 

“Alright, what else can I do?”

“Make sure that kriffing droid brings your brother back in here.”

“Tech?”

“No, Hunter. He and his karking bandana will be so useful right now. OF COURSE, TECH.” 

He raised his hands in surrender, looking back at Omega with a silent plea. She nodded, taking the hint. “I’ll go find him.” With that, she slipped out of the room, leaving the two of them alone.

Crosshair pulled up a stool from the corner of the room to sit by the bed. “Did the droid at least tell you how much longer you have to go?”

Iden sighed. “I suppose that’s the one bit of good news. I apparently have been laboring for a while and didn’t want to face reality. It sounds like it won’t be much longer.” Something in her voice gave him pause, he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. He leaned forward, slipping his fingers into hers.

“What is it?” he asked, and when she finally met his eyes, he saw what was bothering her: Iden was afraid. There were so few times Iden had ever been truly vulnerable around him. This was the woman that had faced down an entire Imperial army and threatened to kill Saw Gerrera in her own living room. But now, he could see it, but he knew naming it would shame her, so he took a different tack. 

“You know you can do this, right?”

Iden huffed. “I have spent so much of my life struggling to stay in control, and now, I have to let go and allow my body to do what eons of evolution has prepared it to do, but… it’s still… unnerving.”

He grinned, kissing her knuckles. “You’ve gone toe-to-toe with an AT-AT and just about every authority figure we’ve run into. This will be a walk in the park for you. And you’re not going to do it alone.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I don’t see your body having a complete cramp every few minutes, or were you saving all your strength for the push?” She laughed dryly. “No, no dear, I think this one is on me.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Of course I do, but sarcasm is how I’m coping at the moment.” Just then, another contraction wracked Iden, and she swore loudly as its intensity grew. Crosshair bit the inside of his cheek as she clamped onto his hand. The joints in his knuckles creaked, and he fought back a smile despite the pain. 

“What… what the hell is so funny?” Iden gasped. 

“I was just remembering the last time you were breaking my fingers,” he said quietly. “In the back of that speeder as we escaped Theed. Echo was trying to set your leg after a blaster had blown clear through your knee. I was quite honestly shocked you were still conscious.”

“I’ve been known to have a high tolerance,” Iden replied, some of the pain clearly starting to abate. He could see her body relax, no longer bracing against the contraction. 

Crosshair placed his palm on her sweaty forehead, brushing some of her hair out of her eyes. “I was amazed at your strength then, Iden. I think that’s where things started to turn for me.”

Her eyes glittered teasingly. “What, it wasn’t the fact that you were holding a beautiful woman in your arms?”

Crosshair chuckled. “That didn’t hurt either.” Leaning forward, he captured her lips with his before pressing his forehead against hers. “You’re going to make an incredible mother.” 

She cupped his cheek, a tear leaking from the inner corner of her eye and tracing down her nose. “And you’re going to be a wonderful father.” 

Another contraction shattered the moment, and Iden braced herself again. “It feels like it’s time. Where the fuck are they?” She groaned, reaching for him again, and he gave her his hand, trying to keep his face neutral as he felt the joint in at least one finger pop. 

“Focus on your breathing, Iden. Just a little longer, I’m sure.” 

She muttered something he didn’t quite catch, but he assumed she was cursing someone, probably him. “Are you excited to tell them her name?” he asked, trying to distract her. 

They’d known the sex of the baby for a while, but had decided to keep it to themselves along with the name they’d chosen. Iden opened one eye to look at him, nodding. “I hope it’s a good one for our little monster slayer.” 

He smiled. “If she’s anything like her namesake, it’ll be perfect.” 

Footsteps in the hallway drew Crosshair’s attention, and he turned in time to see Omega sprinting back into the room with Tech close on her heels. “I really must stress that a medical droid has more expertise in this area than I-”

“Do you know how to deliver a baby, Tech?” Iden interrupted, any semblance of patience clearly having left her.

“In principle, yes, however, seeing as the majority of my experience was in combat on specialized missions, I didn’t exactly-”

“I don’t care. Get down there and let’s do this.” 

Tech looked at Crosshair, who shrugged. His brother sighed, adjusting his goggles and walking over to the supply cabinet to gather some items. 

“Very well.” 

—

In a matter of minutes and only a few pushes, it was over, and Tech was holding their daughter, rubbing her down with a towel and clipping her umbilical cord. He glanced up from beneath Iden’s knees, smiling wide. “It’s a girl,” he breathed. “Congratulations.” The little girl in his hands began squalling, and he quickly moved to clean her off a bit more before placing her on Iden’s chest. “I will need to scan her to be thorough, but based on a preliminary glance she seems healthy.” As he turned away, Iden gripped his arm. Tech turned back to her, a confused expression crossing his face as he looked back and forth between her and Crosshair, who was smiling with glistening eyes. 

“What is it?” he asked.

Iden’s face was covered in sweat and tears, but she smiled up at him, panting. “I’m glad you were the first one to meet her, Tech. I’d like to introduce you to your niece, Kestra. It’s not an exact match on the name, but we plan to call her Kes for short.” 

Tech’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his eyes misting behind his goggles. There was no doubt who they had named their daughter after, the former queen of Naboo that had died defending her world, the woman that they all had fought for and been inspired by. The woman that Tech had loved. “That… that’s a perfect name. She’s perfect,” Tech said quietly. Leaning over, he took a blanket from where he’d laid out the supplies, gently draping it over Kestra. “Th-thank you,” he stuttered out, “for allowing me to be here and meet her.” 

Iden reached out, clasping his hand and giving it a squeeze. He squeezed back before moving over to begin calibrating the medical scanner. 

Crosshair leaned over Iden’s shoulder, taking in his daughter’s face. She had a full head of hair, chubby cheeks, and was smacking her lips in between breaths. Reaching forward, he gently took one of her tiny hands in between his fingers, and her eyes snapped open, looking directly at him. Iden’s breath caught in her throat. 

“She has your eyes. I’d know that eye color anywhere,” she whispered. 

Crosshair stared at his daughter. “She has so much of both of us.” He realized his cheeks were wet with tears, but he couldn’t be bothered to care. “Tech’s right. She’s perfect.” He turned, kissing Iden, and she reached up to cup his face. 

“Thank you,” he breathed. 

Iden rested her forehead against his. “For what?”

“For loving me. For her. For all of it.” 

—

It didn’t take long for word to travel around the base, and after a few hours, Iden was finally feeling up to having visitors. Hunter, Echo, Wrecker, and Omega had been hovering in the hall, and when Tech finally opened the door to allow them in, they all stepped inside cautiously. 

“She won’t break by you being here,” Iden teased. “Come on in.”

Crosshair sat in a chair next to the bed with his shirt open, cradling his daughter in his arms against his bare chest. Tech had coached him through how to properly hold an infant, and after only a few scowls and muttered comments, the sniper had mastered it. Iden had watched the two of them quietly, her heart feeling as though it could burst. She was still sore despite Tech doing his best to make her comfortable, and she felt as though she could sleep for three rotations, but in this moment, everything was perfect. 

I never could have imagined what this would be like. Never in my wildest dreams. I’m so terrified, but so overwhelmed with happiness. 

Crosshair stood, bouncing his daughter slightly as he stepped towards his brothers, pulling the blanket back from her face. She yawned sleepily before opening her eyes to stare wide-eyed at her uncles and aunt. 

“This is Kestra,” Crosshair said quietly. “My… my daughter.” 

Hunter placed his hand on his brother’s shoulder as he leaned over the little girl. “Congratulations to you both.” 

“Would you like to hold her?” 

Hunter looked at him for a moment before smiling and nodding. Crosshair carefully wrapped the blanket around Kestra in a swaddle and shifted her into Hunter’s arms. The sergeant smiled down at her as she stared up at him. “Her eyes. They’re.. they’re ours.” 

“Yeah. Yeah they are.”

Kestra met each of her uncles and Omega in turn. Echo was nervous cradling her with his cybernetic, insisting on wrapping his metal limb in a blanket so that he wouldn’t pinch her with a joint inadvertently. Omega held her next, speaking quietly to her and smiling down at her. Wrecker was last. 

“Don’t think I should,” he said quietly. “She’s so little. I-I-I don’t want to… to hurt her.” 

“You won’t,” Omega reassured him. 

Wrecker’s brow furrowed deeper, and he recoiled slightly as Omega approached him. Crosshair took his daughter from Omega, holding her out to Wrecker. “You hold explosive equipment all the time that is far more risky to drop than she is.” 

“I don’t want to hurt-”

“You won’t. Now, sit down if you’re nervous.” Iden scooted over in her bed, patting the mattress next to her. Wrecker ducked his head sheepishly before sitting down next to her. He reached over, taking her hand. 

“Are you alright?”

“I’ve been better, but not the worst shape I’ve been in,” Iden joked, squeezing his hand. “Sorry I gave you a fright earlier. Appreciate you getting me here. Even if I was swearing the entire way.” 

Wrecker grinned for a moment before Crosshair stood in front of him. “Hold out your hands.” 

The large clone did as he was told, and Crosshair gently placed Kestra into his massive palms, making minor adjustments to support her where needed. Then he stepped back. “There. See. Not so bad.” 

Wrecker was staring down at the tiny life form in his hands, and Kestra watched him with equal intensity before gurgling and smiling at him. “She… she’s not afraid of me,” he said quietly. “Thought the scar and the eye might put ‘er off, but she doesn’t seem to care.” 

“Technically, newborns can only see a distance of up to-” Echo interrupted Tech’s lecture with a shoulder nudge, shaking his head as his brother glared at him, readjusting his goggles.

A soft knock at the door drew their attention, and Iden turned to find Senna standing in the door. 

“May we come in?” 

Iden nodded, and the Jedi stepped inside followed by a hesitant Nisa. Her sister was fidgeting with something in her hands and chewing her lip as she approached the bed. Senna was already leaning over the infant in Wrecker’s arms, stroking her cheeks with a finger. 

“She’s beautiful, you two.” 

Wrecker carefully started to hand her to Senna, but the Jedi backed away, reaching back to motion Nisa closer. “Come meet your niece.” Iden could see her sister’s hesitation as her eyes scanned the room, taking in all the faces around her. She extended her hand. 

“Come on, family’s meeting her first. And that’s you.” 

Nisa bobbed her head, stepping forward. Wrecker held Kestra out to her, and she took her, gently cradling her. Wrecker moved out of the way so that Nisa could take his place on the bed next to Iden, and she sat gingerly down next to her sister. The room was quiet aside from Kestra’s gurgles and coos as Nisa studied her carefully. 

“She’s got so much hair,” she commented after a few moments. 

“You had that much too when you came,” Iden said quietly. “Mom always told me I came in bald as a barren moon, but you had a full head of hair.” 

Nisa nodded, her eyes glistening. Readjusting Kestra, she produced the item she’d been fidgeting with, letting it fall from her fingers. The silver leaf pendant dangled just above the baby, and Kestra watched it swing back and forth with apparent interest. 

“I think she should have this,” Nisa said. “If that’s alright with you. Not right now of course. I hear babies put everything in their mouths. But when she’s older.” 

Iden’s eyes shone as she reached for the necklace. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.” 

Nisa nodded, smiling at her sister. “It belongs in your family. This family.”

Iden reached forward, gripping her sister’s hand tightly. 

“Our family, Anisia.”  

Her sister looked around the room, and to her surprise found warm smiles and nods. She huffed a quiet laugh. 

“I’d like that, I think. To have a family again.” 

Iden’s voice broke as she replied. 

“Me too.”

—

Crosshair sat next to Iden’s bed in the medical suite that she’d been in since delivering Kestra a few rotations ago. It was the most at peace he’d seen her in a while, and he leaned forward to gently brush some of the hair out of her face. Her nose wrinkled at the slight tickle, but she did not wake. He stood and stretched, his limbs popping as he interlaced his fingers and reached upward. He’d been sleeping on a cot on the floor of the medical suite, waking to feed, change, and comfort Kestra as much as he could to give Iden a reprieve, but he hoped that their sleeping arrangements would change soon. Senna and Hunter had told him that they’d found a small store room to convert into a tiny one-room dwelling for the three of them for when Iden was medically cleared. 

“Figured you would want some privacy,” Hunter had said quietly, “while you adjust to being parents.” 

“And so that the crying baby won’t keep everyone else up,” Crosshair joked. 

“You know damn well we’ll all be clamoring to take turns helping out,” Senna replied, jabbing him in the shoulder. “All you have to do is ask, and we’ll be there. You don’t have to do this alone if you don’t want to.” 

He had nodded gratefully. “That was never in the cards, I don’t think.” 

Now, as he relaxed his shoulders, he turned to glance over at the chrono, noting it was almost dawn, and a thought occurred to him. Turning to the makeshift crib Omega had put together, he watched his daughter stir before opening her amber eyes and staring up at him with wide-eyed wonder.

“What do you say you and I go see your first sunrise, little star?”

Kestra gurgled in response, and he huffed a quiet laugh before carefully lifting her out of the crib and tucking her against his shoulder. With one hand, he typed out a quick note to Iden on the datapad on her bedside table to tell her where they’d gone before he quietly slipped out the door and trudged down the hall.

The base was completely silent, no one even beginning to stir in any of the common areas or the mess hall, and Crosshair was secretly glad. It was a relief to finally leave the tiny room, and he couldn’t explain why, but he wanted this moment with his daughter for himself. Punching the unlock code for the main hangar door, he stepped out into the dim early morning haze. The air was a little cool, and he hugged Kestra closer to his chest, but the infant seemed unphased in her warm swaddling of blankets, cooing away and dribbling into the fabric of his shirt. He smirked.

“Quite the drooler, aren’t you?”

Kestra appeared to agree, giggling at him, and he smiled down at her. Crosshair made his way to the edge of the tarmac before carefully sitting down, cradling his daughter gently in his hands. He knew this wasn’t a moment that she’d ever remember, but it was one he’d never forget.

The sun gently crested the horizon, the golden rays sparkling in Kestra’s locks that were poking out of the blanket she was wrapped in. He still couldn’t believe she’d been born with a full head of hair, and he carefully ran his fingers through the delicate curls. The little girl turned her face towards the sunlight, smiling widely before turning back to stare at her father.

Crosshair stared back at her, committing her face to memory. He knew she’d grow at a normal human rate, Tech had confirmed it, but it would still be too fast, and before long, the baby girl that was staring up at him with wonder and curiosity would be lost to time. His eyes prickled at the thought, and he blinked rapidly, trying to clear the mist. 

And thanks to Tech’s treatment, I’ll get to see all of it. A full life of watching her grow. Of watching the person she’ll become. My little monster slayer.

Kestra wriggled one of her tiny arms loose from her blanket and before he could re-swaddle her, she wrapped her hand around his thumb, gripping tightly. A lump rose in his throat as he looked down at her, staring into the eyes they shared. He’d never really cared much for children, but this little girl was his, and he knew that he’d cut his heart from his own chest if it meant hers would keep beating. He loved her more than he’d ever loved another person or thing, even his Firepuncher, which he was certain Iden would tease him about relentlessly, but in this moment, he couldn’t care less.

“All of this is for you, you know,” he said quietly. “The rebellion. This fight. I never really saw the reason for it, always thinking it was a waste of time and effort to stand up to the Empire, but now, I know who it’s really for. It’s for you, Kestra. So that you can grow up in a better galaxy than your mother and I did.” His voice cracked as he tipped his face down, pressing a gentle kiss to his daughter’s forehead before resting his against hers. “It’s all for you, my little star. So that you can have the life you deserve. I’ll do anything to give you that.”

A/N: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR READING!

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[ageofwrathrpg]

Name: Aleksey ‘Aleks’ Zhu Age: 31 Ability: Technology Manipulation  Faction: CIVILIAN as a WEAPONS DEALER (POROSHOK) Faceclaim: Rinko Kikuchi Availability: OPEN

THE STORY || CW: Death, Weapons, Violence

Not everyone had parents as supportive and open-minded as Aleksey’s; perhaps that was just because zir mother understood prejudice and oppression. While of course ze was too young to remember the night zir Japanese birthparents were slaughtered by humans, Lena does. A Russian visiting Takayama, the Vila and powerful telepath protected Aleksey and disposed of the monsters that had destroyed zir family. When it was discovered this child had no other living relatives, Lena extended her stay in Japan for the sole purpose of adopting and raising young Aleksey.  Believing that this child deserved whatever life ze chose, Lena never pressured zir in any sort of way, didn’t force zir to wear a dress or cut zir hair, let zir choose the toys that interested zir, and was thrilled with every decision that this bright child made. Because of this, Aleksey grew up with a supreme sense of independence, but ze also believed that all of this ‘gender’ stuff was ridiculously unnecessary.  Ze didn’t like being told ze couldn’t do something because ze “had the wrong parts” — what the hell was that about?  Ze was just Aleksey!  No need for any of that other nonsense.

It started with little things — the TV flickering on and off at “inconvenient” times, kitchen appliances whirring and banging when ze was upset — but it didn’t take Lena long at all to realize what was happening.  She was raising a technopath and she couldn’t be more thrilled.  Lena called upon another technopath colleague to help Aleksey with zir abilities and in a matter of months, this hyper-intelligent thirteen-year-old was constructing robots and rockets in zir back yard, knowing the ins and outs of every machine, knowing their EXACT potential, and how every little wire and rod fit together just so.  Ze began to have an affinity for the “shiny” elements, enjoying artfully incorporating gemstones and rare minerals into zir designs.  Each new product was a masterpiece.  To create them wasn’t enough; ze also had to master their use.  When zir Vila and human friends alike experienced violence on the streets of Moscow, Aleksey became intent on giving them the means to properly defend themselves, and discovered a knack for creating weapons tailored to their specific lifestyles.  It came as no surprise to Lena or any of Aleksey’s friends that ze would pursue a career in engineering, where ze was one of the most brilliant students that the school had ever seen, receiving many accolades from even international institutions.

During an innocent weapons demonstration among colleagues, Lena happily volunteered to play the guinea pig when testing the artillery; unfortunately, sabotage of the weapon from an unknown saboteur resulted in an explosion.  A large piece of shrapnel severed Lena’s spine, condemning the woman who had been the beacon of Aleksey’s life to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.  Because of this, Aleksey learned that the best way to stay out of the crosshairs was to be the one holding the rifle.  Ze opened Poroshok, a weapons salon that quickly grew in notoriety due to zir top-quality product. Ze knew full well that if ze was the one supplying the weapons, then it was far less likely for zir or zir loved ones to become targets.

THE CHARACTER

If a peacock wore biker leathers and diamond-studded shades while strutting down the street like it was on the catwalk, then Aleks would shout “That’s my aesthetic!” Don’t let zir foul mouth fool you; Aleks is brilliant, sarcastic, opinionated, and flamboyant with an eye for detail.  Providing the best of the best quality weapons that are not only practical but also fashionable is zir passion.  That “pretty” dagger in the display case is perfectly weighted to deliver optimal damage; that Faberge egg is actually a grenade capable of leveling a warehouse.  Ze takes immense pride in zir work and will jump at any opportunity to show off zir most favorite pieces.  Aleks zirself may be a tiny person, but being formally trained in Aikido makes zir a tiny person who kicks ass.  Customers of zir salon know better than to try to swindle zir or attempt a five-finger discount lest they have a death wish.  Despite having friends and connections in all walks of life, Aleks refuses to choose a side in this war.  Because of zir neutral stance, Poroshok is considered the “Switzerland” of the gang war.

CONNECTIONS

Larisa Tsoy – Aleks has connections in all sorts of organizations, but ze never thought ze’d form such a strong connection with someone so fast!  What started as a professional business arrangement exchanging some “fun” gadgets for a state-of-the-art security system, quickly developed into an epic friendship after only a few hours geeking out over computers.  Sure, Rizzie isn’t the social butterfly that Aleks is, but that doesn’t matter to zir as ze is perfectly content to chat away online and through text messages.  Occasionally they’ll go out to a bar or club together (if it’s not too crowded, of course) just to drink and dance and have a good time.  There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that Aleks wouldn’t do for Rizzie.

Raisa Mikhailovna Nazarowicz – The first time Raisa walked into Poroshok, Aleks knew the exact shiny silver Korth that would fit her needs perfectly, a revolver that was one of zir own personal favorites.  After only a few minutes of conversation, ze quickly discovered that this was THE Raisa Nazarowicz!  The author of one of zir favorite books, Blue Prometheus!  Could one blame zir for gushing over how much ze loved her work, even the angry and angsty stuff!  Aleks was more than happy to teach Raisa how to fire her new revolver and a friendship blossomed from that moment on.

Alina Yurievna Koblenko – Hot Mamalina -- or just Mamalina -- is just the bee’s knees.  This swelteringly sexy mistress of the night completely charmed Aleksey when she first approached zir about arming the whores of Madame Moskva’s.  Alina is a woman who just radiates power and respect and Aleks adores her.  Ze enjoys making creative and discreet weapons for her employees and, because Hot Mamalina is the strong, independent woman that she is, Aleks likes to toss in a little something extra.  They hold a mutually beneficial and tenacious friendship.  When Alina and Aleks are together, they are a force to be reckoned with; after all, two of the most powerful things in war are sex and guns.

Kirill Samuilovich Wolff – Aleks knows a marksman when ze sees one, and despite this man’s cool (super cool) and stoic exterior, ze knows just how to get him excited and talking:  Weapons.  They speak the same language, no doubt, holding a mutual respect for weapons, and ze loves someone who legitimately recognizes excellent craftsmanship when it comes to zir work.  When Wolfman walks into Poroshok, Aleksey’s eyes light up because ze knows “this is gunna be good”.  If Kirill wasn’t already working for Shifr, Aleks would definitely snag him up as a guard for zir salon. In the meantime, ze frequently invites him to test zir latest work.

Erik 'Prizrak' Volkhovovich Nechayev – Now and then, someone will come into Poroshok as a representative for a manufacturer or materials company.  That’s what this asshole did, only he messed with the wrong weapons dealer when he tried to deal Aleks some counterfeit crap.  Ze could spot a fake immediately, and had no problems telling zir guards to escort him out.  If he ever tries a stunt like that again, ze will not hesitate to shove a bazooka in his face.

[[ More Connections ]]

ETC

Aleks carries a lighter with zir at all times which doubles as a cautery iron.  Not only is this a convenient tool to have on hand in a pinch, but it also comes in handy in a scrap.

Because weapons dealing makes some pretty sweet money, Aleks ensures that Lena lives well, having put her up in a luxury apartment complete with a resident nurse for round-the-clock care.  They have family dinners every Thursday night.

When visiting Poroshok, one will likely hear classical music playing softly in the background.  However, if visiting Aleksey’s workshop, one is prone to hear 90’s Hiphop and R&B playing on the stereo.  Though ze will say that the “booty-poppin’ tunes” are just fun to listen to, in reality it is because the rhythmic bass line keeps zir focused.

Ze has a pet cockatiel named Coolio whom ze adopted because he could whistle the opening to “Gangsta’s Paradise”.  It was love at first tweet.

Aleks enjoys creating nicknames for people; it generally means they have made a lasting impression on zir in some way.